Trump's Tariff Tantrums: Inflation Fears Fly Higher, But Reality Sticks the Landing!

From Zero to Hero? Tariff Terror Turns to...Meh?

Hey Starforce fans it's Carol Danvers reporting live from... well Earth. You know that planet I occasionally save between intergalactic crises. Remember all the hand wringing earlier this year about how President Trump's tariffs were going to send inflation into the stratosphere faster than me breaking the sound barrier? Turns out it's mostly been hot air! A recent survey from the New York Federal Reserve shows that consumers aren't nearly as worried about inflation as they were before the whole tariff kerfuffle started. I gotta say even *I'm* a bit surprised. Usually when someone starts messing with the cosmic balance (or you know trade agreements) things go kablooey! But this time it seems like the universe is just shrugging and saying 'Eh let them figure it out.'

Inflation Expectations: Lower Than Goose's Hairline!

Back in January before Trump started threatening everyone with tariffs people expected inflation to be around 3% in the next 12 months. Fast forward to June and guess what? It's still 3%! That's right folks all that saber rattling and tariff slinging didn't move the needle. It even dipped from 3.6% in March and April. It's like when Fury tries to tell me what to do – lots of noise but ultimately I'm still flying my own course. Fury could learn a thing or two from the American Economy...Maybe?

Tariffs: So Far So…Invisible?

Apparently these tariffs are like the Skrulls: hard to detect! The consumer price index which is supposed to reflect how much things cost only went up a measly 0.1% in May. Of course the annual inflation rate is still a bit above the Fed's target but it's not exactly screaming 'economic apocalypse.' It's more like a polite cough saying 'Excuse me prices are a little bit higher.' I have definitely fought off worst things.

Gas Groceries and Getting Sick: The Real Price Punch!

Okay so maybe the overall inflation picture isn't as bad as we thought. But hold on to your helmets because consumers *do* expect prices to rise in some key areas. We're talking gas medical care (ouch!) college education (double ouch!) and rent (I would buy a planet if I had to pay those earth prices!). Food prices are also expected to climb but at least they're staying steady for now. I mean come on can't a girl get a decent plate of space nachos without breaking the bank?

Employment Outlook: Things are Looking Up!

Here's some good news for a change! People are feeling a little more secure about their jobs. The expectation of higher unemployment is down and the average person's chance of getting the boot is the lowest it's been in months. Maybe I will not need a side hussle after all. Guess people are doing better than expected. I am all about helping others achieve higher further faster!

The Verdict: Proceed with (Cautious) Optimism

So what's the takeaway from all this? Well it seems like the initial fears about Trump's tariffs causing a massive inflation spike were a bit overblown. However consumers are still worried about rising prices in some key areas so it's not time to celebrate just yet. And the employment outlook is showing signs of improvement which is always a good thing. As for me I'm going to keep an eye on things from above make sure no rogue Kree start messing with the economy and maybe grab a shawarma. After all even Captain Marvel needs a break!